Ball Python Care Guide

Get to Know Your Ball Python

Basic Information

Common Name

Ball Python (Called Royal Python in U.K.)

Scientific Name

Python regius

Distribution

Western African countries of Ghana and Togo

Size

Up to 5’

Life span

20 - 35 years

Checklist for Your Ball Python

Food

Habitat with lid

Lighting

Heat lamps

Substrate

Large shallow water bowl

Thermometer

Humidity Gauge

Water conditioner

Moss

Decorations — hides, plants, climbing source

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Feeding Your Ball Python

Ball Pythons only eat rodents.
Young Pythons feed every week while adults can be fed every other week.
Frozen mice or rats are preferred as live can lead to aggression.
Use hot water to thaw, do not microwave.
The rodent should be at body temperature (98-99 degrees).
When picking a rodent, it should be no larger in diameter than the girth of the snake.
Provide clean, dechlorinated fresh water always.

Ball Python Habitat

40–50-gallon terrariums are best.
20 gallons can be used for young pythons and then later can be used for a quarantine tank.
Pythons must have a lid - they will get out! Or an enclosure with a lid.
Large water bowl for the snake to submerge in.
Provide two hides for the python, both should have one opening so they can snuggle up inside securely.
Python bedding can be aspen, recycled newspaper, artificial turf, and reptile bark
Pre-moistened moss is suggested for one hide to create humidity which will support the python when shedding. Humidity should be around 50-60%.

Lighting and Temperature

Reptiles are cold blooded. They will need to absorb heat from their environment.
Use 75W basking light with fixture or a light that will provide a basking temperature of 85°-90°. The cooler side of the cage should be 75°-80°.
Place a thermometer at both sides of the cage to monitor.
Ball Pythons do not require UVB.

Handling Your Ball Python

Ball Pythons are the most popular of the snakes.
Smaller in size and is one of the most docile snake species.
They will often ball up tightly when threatened (that’s how they got their name) and rarely ever bite or strike.
The ball python is available in hundreds of color variations (called morphs).
It is very common for adult ball pythons to “off-feed” (refuse food) for extended periods of time, most often occurring in fall/winter times. This period can last for several months. Provided that the animal is not losing weight, there is no need for concern. Continue to offer prey every few weeks and reduce handling until it is interested in eating again. If weight loss or any other health problems are observed, then seek veterinary care.
Important: do not handle snakes immediately after feeding. It is best to give them 24-48 hours to completely digest their meal before handling.